What can cause hypothyroidism, The thyroid is a gland in your body responsible for producing certain hormones. Some people have an underactive thyroid that does not produce the required quantity of hormones your body needs.

What can cause hypothyroidism

What can cause hypothyroidism, The thyroid is a gland in your body responsible for producing certain hormones. Some people have an underactive thyroid that does not produce the required quantity of hormones your body needs.

What can cause hypothyroidism | what answered

What can cause hypothyroidism

What can cause hypothyroidism, The thyroid is a gland in your body responsible for producing certain hormones. Some people have an underactive thyroid that does not produce the required quantity of hormones your body needs. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. The obstructed hormone production has the propensity to cause a chemical imbalance that manifests in the form of health problems. Treatment for hypothyroidism has come a long way over the years but prevention is still the best cure for it. Here are some of the known causes and risk factors for hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism, that is, the body produces more hormones that required. Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can also cause a number of health problems. However, the treatment for hyperthyroidism involves the use of strong medication including radioactive iodine. While it serves to slow down the production of thyroid hormones, it can sometimes result in permanent hypothyroidism. Therefore, never take hyperthyroidism medication without your doctor’s consent.

Surgery

Any infection or disease in the thyroid gland can require surgery. In some cases, it is possible to take care of the problem with a simple procedure, but sometimes a part of the thyroid has to be removed. People who have undergone thyroid surgery more often than not end up suffering from lifelong hypothyroidism. Due to their condition, they have to take thyroid hormones through other sources.

Medication

There are a number of medicines apart from the ones that are used for treating hyperthyroidism that can have a negative effect on your thyroid. This is why it is strongly recommended that you refrain from using any medicine, over the counter or prescription, without the consent of your doctor. One of the foremost examples of medication that may cause hypothyroidism is lithium. It is a medicine used commonly to treat mental disorders.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is a nutrient your thyroid needs to produce hormones. It is a trace vitamin a deficiency of which could lead to hypothyroidism. Due to the prevalence of table salt, iodine deficiency has virtually become a thing of the past. However, the problem still exists in some parts of the world. Increasing the intake of iodized salt can help improve the condition.

Birth Defects

Some babies are born with an abnormal thyroid gland and sometimes with no thyroid at all. It is still a rare phenomenon, affecting 1 out of every 3,000 babies. The absence of the thyroid gland or a defective one inhibits the body’s ability to generate hormones. As a precaution, some states have made thyroid screening for newborns a part of the legislation.

Radiation

Radiation can cause damage to the parts of the body that are exposed to it. People who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer or any other health problem can develop hypothyroidism. The risk is greater if radiation was rendered directly towards the thyroid. Commonly, treatment for cancers that develop in or near the head can lead to hypothyroidism.

These are some of the most common causes of hypothyroidism, some of which can be prevented and controlled.

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